two vices

[photophorous]

What do you think? Mostly, I'm wondering if the concept is cheesy or has been done too much, but all critiques are welcome.

Thanks!

Paul

[GB1]

The concept is OK, imo. I don't know if the execution of the idea was good enough though. The objects just seem distorted here, and the image is a little soft. Cutting off the top of the glass could be what you wanted but it appears to be more of an error. BUT .... I don't think that a 'perfect' composition is necessary or even desirable in this type of shot, cause when people drink and smoke, they don't lay things out perfectly like a formal dinner. Running with that philosophy, if you had some ciggerette butts and/or ashes on the table I think that it might make it more interesting. I say mix it up a bit more and see what you get.

Again - not a bad idea at all!

GB

[srobb]

Love the concept and what the image could be. Have to agree with GB in that it bothers me that the top of the glass seems to be cut off. Not sure if that was your intent, or if you meant it to be that tight of a shot.

For me this image would work better not framed as tightly with possibly an ahstray with butts, or some ashes laying by the lighter. Work on it some and bring back what else you come up with.

Now, let me gain strength on this my 4th day of no smoking. ;)

[photophorous]

Srobb & GB,

Thanks for your comments. Have you heard the engineer's conclusion to the glass is half full / half empty debate? The glass is twice as big as it needs to be. I showed the important part...the beer!

No really, I did do the tight crop on purpose. It's meant to have an abstract quality. I just like the shapes and shadows. Plus, I was testing out some old screw-on close-up lenses because I finally got a step-down ring to mount them on my new 50mm prime lens. Hence, the distortion.

Oh, and another excuse...this is a scanned negative, done with my new flatbed scanner, so the shadow details will be better when I make a print in the darkroom...if I decide to.

Thanks again,
Paul

[photophorous]

Love the concept and what the image could be. Have to agree with GB in that it bothers me that the top of the glass seems to be cut off. Not sure if that was your intent, or if you meant it to be that tight of a shot.

For me this image would work better not framed as tightly with possibly an ahstray with butts, or some ashes laying by the lighter. Work on it some and bring back what else you come up with.

Now, let me gain strength on this my 4th day of no smoking. ;)

Srobb,

Congrats on day four. Keep up the good work. Don't be too proud to try the patch or the gum or whatever. My girlfriend had great success with that pill they advertise..I think it's the same as wellbutrin.

Paul

[srobb]

Thanks, Paul. Actually I knew I had to go cold turkey. Insurance doesn't cover the pills/patches and I can't do the extra expense. It has not been real bad. Just have to get over each hump as I get to it.

[dbutler]

I like the concept as well. I hadn't realized it was beer in the glass. I think this might have worked better in color perhaps? I also would like to see the lighter a little more clearly. Just a tad.

And Good Luck Srobb! I've been quit for two years now. If it gets tough, I'll be happy to share my successful quit routine (I had been trying to quit for almost 8 years until I stumbled upon what would work for me!). I have faith in you!!

[gahspidy]

I like the idea, yes it's been done over and over, but there is always room for more. Your picture is good, although I agree that the glass looks cut off at the top in a way that feels wrong somehow. A slightly looser crop may improve as well.
srobb, hang in there. Discipline, discipline, discipline. Don't give in

[srobb]

Hey, paul, hope you come up with more pics on this. Maybe even make some kind of series from them?

It is now day 5 and all is well with no cigs yet. Problem is that I could go prematurely bald. ;) ;) Oh, did I mention that this is something both of us are doing at the same time?